Reinier de Ridder takes pride in being a well-rounded mixed martial artist, but his world-class grappling skills are always a key part of his strategy.
Throughout his career, de Ridder has secured 13 submission victories out of 19 wins, including two submissions in his initial UFC fights. His next challenge is at UFC Des Moines on May 3 against Bo Nickal, a highly touted UFC prospect and a three-time national wrestling champion.
While Nickal`s grappling abilities are well-known, his recent fight against Paul Craig drew criticism for his reluctance to engage in takedowns, keeping the fight primarily a stand-up affair.
De Ridder commented on Nickal`s last performance, saying it “wasn’t that great to watch.” He acknowledged Nickal`s improved striking and power but felt Nickal didn`t make a strong statement in the fight, suggesting it might have been an off night for him.
Despite being confident in his striking against Nickal, de Ridder understands that grappling is the core interest in this matchup.
This fight sets up a clash between a top submission expert in the UFC and a highly decorated wrestler. Having observed Nickal`s hesitation to grapple with Craig, de Ridder anticipates he might need to initiate the grappling exchanges against the Penn State wrestling star.
“I think I have to make him wrestle,” de Ridder stated. He believes Nickal appeared “pretty scared of the jiu-jitsu on the floor” in the Craig fight and wants to avoid submissions. De Ridder plans to pressure Nickal, strike him, and force takedown attempts.
De Ridder predicts the fight will be largely decided in the clinch, focusing on using knees and elbows, throws, and trips to get Nickal to the ground and seek a submission.
Often, when high-level grapplers face off in the UFC, fights become striking battles as neither wants to risk grappling.
While comfortable striking with Nickal, de Ridder recognizes that fans and the UFC are eager to see a grappling contest in this co-main event in May.
“Who wants to see us strike?” de Ridder joked, suggesting a grappling match would be far more entertaining. He referenced the Demian Maia vs. Ben Askren fight as an example of a less exciting striking-focused grappling match.
De Ridder is prepared for any type of fight but is determined to push for grappling if Nickal avoids it.
Though known for submissions, de Ridder’s judo background means he`s also ready to take Nickal down with throws if the opportunity arises.
“I think [I can take him down],” de Ridder said, mentioning his training with high-level wrestlers at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. He feels confident in his upper body grappling skills.
He noted his ability to secure takedowns even against fighters like Kevin Holland, but his preference is to utilize his judo throws.
De Ridder acknowledges he is taking a bigger risk in this fight, being ranked in the middleweight top 15 while Nickal is unranked.
Despite hoping for a fight against a top-five opponent like Khamzat Chimaev, de Ridder recognizes the value of facing a well-known name like Nickal.
“I really wanted a top five guy but now Bo Nickal is at least a top five name, right?” de Ridder explained, emphasizing the potential ranking boost from defeating Nickal.
De Ridder is satisfied with the matchup, anticipating a stylistically exciting fight to determine the superior grappler.
By defeating Nickal on May 3, de Ridder aims to significantly improve his position in the middleweight division.
With current champion Dricus de Plessis likely facing Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov also in contention, de Ridder sees a victory over Nickal as a strong statement in the division.
“A lot of the guys at the top have already fought each other,” de Ridder pointed out, suggesting that a dominant win, especially a quick submission, could propel him into title contention.
